Around Town with @ColaMayor

In this powerful episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Lester Young, founder of Path2Redemption. After spending over two decades in prison, Lester Young emerged with a mission to help others break the cycle of incarceration and find new opportunities. He shares his journey from prison to becoming a community leader, focusing on the work he does to support forme...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with Caitlin Sullivan and Dr. Stuart Cramer about the critical work being done at Camp Kemo, part of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia. They highlight the unique challenges families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease and explore how Camp Kemo provides year-round emotiona...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with Jamie Cooper and Latasha Taste from Communities in Schools of South Carolina. They discuss the organization’s crucial role in supporting students by providing mentorship, guidance, and resources to overcome challenges in and out of the classroom. Learn how Communities in Schools works with educators and pare...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with the organizers of the Columbia Food and Wine Festival to discuss the evolution and impact of this annual celebration. Since its humble beginnings, the festival has grown into a significant event that showcases the diversity and talent of Columbia’s culinary scene. The conversation covers the festival's origins, the...

In this episode of Around Town, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Nell Fuller and Julie Tuttle, the visionary entrepreneurs behind Cola Love. What began as a simple idea for community engagement has blossomed into a powerful vehicle for local economic development through innovative pop-ups. Nell and Julie discuss the journey from launching experimental pop-ups to developing a unique incubator...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with Andrew Boozer and Danielle Floyd from Senior Resources about their work providing meals, care, and social connections to Columbia’s senior community. They discuss the growth of the Meals on Wheels program and their urgent goal to eliminate the 160-person waitlist. Tune in to learn how this nonprofit is making a differe...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Bailey Parker, the executive director of the Gills Creek Watershed Association. Bailey shares her unexpected journey from a career in music to leading one of Columbia’s most crucial environmental organizations. They discuss the ongoing efforts to restore Gills Creek, the challenges posed by urban development, and th...

In this episode of Around Town, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Brian and Kelly Glynn, the dynamic duo behind Columbia's beloved Village Idiot Pizza. The Glynns share their journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Columbia community, with two thriving locations and a commitment to giving back. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a family-oriented busine...

In this episode of Around Town, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann chats with Donald Brock Jr., co-founder of Soda City Comic Con, Columbia's premier pop culture event. Donald shares the fascinating journey of building Soda City Comic Con from its rainy beginnings in 2015 to its current status as a major annual attraction. With exclusive VIP experiences, vintage gaming rooms, and over 150 diverse vendors and...

Laird Weaver's journey to his current role at Palmetto Place, a teen homeless shelter in Columbia, was fueled by a passion for community and growth. She's developed a profound love for Columbia and its potential through engaging with business owners and residents. This experience ignited her desire to contribute more deeply, leading her to seek volunteer opportunities. Laird's dedication to unders...

Join host Daniel Rickenmann as he welcomes Maurice Pearl, the new director of the COMET transit system. Maurice shares his journey into public transit, beginning in Indiana in 2002 and progressing through various roles, culminating in his current position in Columbia, South Carolina. The conversation delves into the contrasts between different geographical areas Maurice has worked in and discusses...

In this episode, host Daniel Rickenmann is joined by Xavier Blake, the Executive Director of One Columbia, as they delve into exciting ideas for community development through art, food, and music. From revitalizing empty spaces with art installations to supporting local artists and diverse communities, they discuss a multifaceted approach to enriching the city's cultural landscape. Join us as we u...

Welcome to this special episode of Around Town where we dive into the heart of Columbia’s culinary scene with the Columbia Food and Wine Festival! This annual event, now a major highlight, showcases the rich diversity and talent of local chefs and restaurateurs and brings together the community and visitors to enjoy mouth-watering dishes and exquisite drinks. We cover all the exciting events that...

Today marks a special episode as we sit down with renowned local architect Dale Marshall, celebrating a milestone 35th anniversary of his firm, Architrave, which he started with his uncle Alan back in 1987. In this episode, we journey through the transformative world of historic preservation, recognizing the intricate craftsmanship necessary for projects that breathe new life into buildings dating...

In the latest episode of 'Around Town,' we had Robert Hughes discuss the BullStreet project, a significant development in Columbia's urban landscape. Robert and his team have transformed a large area into a lively hub, integrating dining, retail, and living spaces. The project is set to introduce a considerable number of new residential units by the end of the year, marking BullStreet as a leading...

In this episode of 'Around Town,' host Daniel Rickenmann invites guests Ray Tanner, the Athletic Director at the University of South Carolina, and Christopher Miller to discuss the role of USC athletics. The episode, 'USC's Athletics: Cultivating Talent and Community Engagement,' looks at how the university's sports programs contribute to both athletic success and community engagement. Christopher...

Join host Daniel Rickenmann in this special 'Around Town' episode as we dance through the vibrant streets of Five Points during the St. Patrick's Day festivities! Get the inside scoop from event guru Trae Judy and the multifaceted Heather McDonald, who unveil the intricate tapestry of planning Columbia's most spirited celebration. From music venues to Irish culture, family fun, and charitable impa...

In this episode of Around Town, host Daniel Rickenmann talks with Trevon Fordham, the director of violence prevention for Columbia, South Carolina. Fordham brings his experience from parks and recreation, law enforcement, and grant administration to discuss the city's strategies against crime and violence. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring youth and shares his approach to intervention and...

Welcome to 'Around Town' with host Daniel Rickenmann on this episode, we delve into the latest developments surrounding the Midlands' communities. We step into crucial conversations with Mayors Thomas Andrews and Tem Miles from the neighboring Forest Acres and West Columbia cities. Explore the unique efforts in community revitalization, infrastructural projects, and creative strategies to meet urb...

In this episode of 'Around Town', host Daniel Rickenmann is joined by Kameisha Heppard, Director of Homeless Services of Columbia, and Mackin Wall, a specialist in Rapid Shelter operations. They cover the situation of the hundreds of unsheltered individuals and the joint efforts to assist them. Kameisha Heppard talks about her experiences in service, addressing the issues faced by the chronically...

In this episode of 'Around Town,' join host Daniel Rickenmann as he welcomes Jill Smith of Jill Smith and Associates Counseling to dive deep into mental health and therapy. They explore Jill's compelling journey from experiencing personal challenges to founding her successful counseling practice. Despite advice to focus solely on business management, Jill remains active in practice, connecting wit...

In this episode of Around Town, host Daniel Rickenmann welcomes guest Sumner Bender, Executive Director of the iconic Nickelodeon theater. They dive deep into topics and issues revolving around the arts, non-profit organizations, and the film industry within Columbia. The conversation takes you on a journey from celebrating local culture through art and suggesting creative ways to nourish the arts...

Today we have a very special guest joining us: the talented artist, Stephen Chesley. In this episode, we dive into Stephen's involvement in the Urban Canvas Project, a unique art initiative that aims to engage the public in dialogue about art. We'll learn about Stephen's collaboration with Michaela Brown, how they turned their virtual art project into a tangible, public artwork, and their vision o...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Around Town Podcast with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. This week, we're thrilled to engage with local bagel entrepreneurs Ben and Morgan, the masterminds behind the much-loved Ben's Bagels. After trading the Northeast for the charm of South Carolina, Ben found himself missing a quintessential element of his prior culinary scene - a proper New York bagel. Following m...

This week on Around Town Podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann welcomes a special guest, Karen Kustafik, the Assistant Superintendent for Environmental Services and critical figure in the City of Columbia Park Rangers' operations. Join us as we dive deep into an enlightening discussion about Columbia's beautiful rivers, rich natural resources, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. Karen...